I'm in the market for an RX 350 with around 100k miles, 2nd gen 2007-09 seem to go for around $8K here in San Diego
and 2010+ seem to go for $11K-14k ... Not sure if the 2nd gen is better in terms of cheaper maintenance or if its really worth
spending more for a 3rd gen, not sure if the tech on 3rd gen makes repairs more expensive.

I can pay cash for $8K car but more I would have to finance which would make it more expensive too.

What's the practical thing to do? If 3rd gen is better than maybe its worth paying more.

Thoughts? The price does go at least $3-4K for a 3rd gen with the same miles from my research

Also for older 2nd GEn RX 350s is the 350 better than the 330? I heard something about rubber timing belts on 330 being at least a repair issue

 

I would definitely go for 3rd Gen for these reasons:

1. Age: Given that quality comes as standard, age plays a substantial role. From maintainable items such as AC to water pump to Audio etc. Even when mileage is the same age is a factor.
2. Tech: Toyota/Lexus actually work on improving their products. I think the 3rd Gen is really the choice for those who want to keep their vehicle for more than 5 years. 2nd Gen is still ok if you can find one with low mileage. You still need to make sure that all serious services are being completed to date.

330 had a rubber timing belt. I won't even think of it as an option. It was a great vehicle though.

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IK its a old thread......But had to throw in my thoughts & what I found as I was in the same situation a yr ago.....Looking at the gen2 (07-09) vs gen3 (10-13) 350's.....The 2gr is basically the same, gen3 gets a 6-sp vs a 5-sp gen2, no big deal there. The gen2 rides a tad bit smoother but rolls a tad bit more in hard corners, the gen3 pushes(understeers) neither like to be hustled in the corners. For me they'd both do the same for our needs, but a srt8 GC would have been the one I would have gone w/ LOL....A few of my wife's g/f's have rx's & she really liked them as well as, I had access to them all. They both would do the same job, so to me it wasn't worth the extra 3k-6k. I kinda prefer the gen2 styling, but like the gen3 rear suspension. I'd say have a look & drive both gen's to give a idea which one to go with. Look for the best condition one you can find as well as the paperwork as what was done, ect. Possibly the OP should have bought one by now thou.....

 

I owned a RX400h (2008) for about 1.5 years and recently sold it and got a 2014 RX450h. My impressions are, the 3RX is a big step up from the 2RX.

Some of the key observations:

- Interior feels a lot more higher quality. Fit, finish, seating position etc, are all incredible on the '14 RX450h. The 2008 RX400h was based on a platform that came out in 2002 so while it held up very well, it felt and looked very dated with Toyota parts in it. Still, everything worked on my 2008 RX400h and no wear and tear anywhere except the metal accents on the door arm rests.

- Powertrain wise, both had their advantages. The 3.3 Liter V6 with the motors in the RX400h was torquey as hell. It really scooted off the line very quickly. The RX450h has 30 more HP from the 3.5 Liter V6 and electric motors, but it takes more digging into the throttle even in sport mode to get the car motivated to go. The RX400h would simply require a few inch throttle movement and it would shoot forward. The RX450h has much better fuel economy even in sport mode. Once full throttle, the RX450h might be a tad quicker.

- Chassis/suspension/steering wise, the RX450h is head and shoulders over the RX400h. While the 2RX chassis felt flimsy (had a lot of lateral and torsion flex and shudder at high speeds), soft and tended to roll excessively in turns. Bump steer on highway was a common thing. Also, the steering was laggy and overboosted. It tended to be slow to react and when it did, it would dart in the other direction. The RX450h feels significantly stiffer and planted. Lexus worked on chassis rigidity a lot and you can really feel it in the 3RX. The steering especially in sport mode, is pretty amazing for an SUV. Very tight, direct and stiffly connected to the wheels/tires. I gives a lot of confidence while driving or turning since the steering really is very precise with no dead spots off-center.

- Seating position also goes to 3RX. It has a cockpit like feel. Great seats and thick rimmed steering wheel. While the RX400h felt narrow and tall with a high seating position, the 3RX feels more wider and lower as if you sit lower to the ground. It gives a more planted feel especially with a lower roll-center.